Breath and Breathing Scales

The Body category of LMA (or sometimes called L/BMA to include Bartenieff) was developed by several people, but Irmgard Bartenieff was the main innovator. The Patterns of Total Body Connectivity (PTBCs) are based on neurological patterns that an infant works through in about the first 14 months of life.  The patterns, and the physiological development that occurs as babies work through them, allow new sensations and new experiences.  What must it be like the first time a baby rolls over? What a change in perspective! The patterns, in order, are: 1. Breath, 2. Core-Distal, 3. Head-Tail, 4. Upper-Lower, 5. Body-Half, and 6. Cross-Lateral. Each pattern gives the body a different way of organizing and coordinating itself in movement. Above you see the symbol that represents the first pattern, the Breath Pattern.

This pattern, which is the focus of the following video, is not only the first but also the pattern from which all of the others develop. Breath is in every subsequent pattern.  Breath supports movement, makes it easier, and connecting to breath can center you and bring your focus to your inner mobility and structure.

To become aware of the breath is to simply observe it--no need to make changes! If you like, try sending breath to different places in the body, try varying the depth and frequency of your breath.  Does it change how you feel? In what way?

In the following video I ask that you inhale to initiate down bows and exhale for up bows.  What do you feel if you try the opposite? Think of these videos as starting points for creative, experimental practicing. Enjoy!